Volhard Testing Method
In order to place the perfect puppy with the right family the first time around we utilize the Volhard Method to evaluate each litter. This means, that the Adopter DOES NOT pick their puppy based on which one is the cutest or friendliest, this instead means we choose your puppy for you based on the evaluation of several professional trainers and match you with a puppy that best aligns to what you’re looking for in a dog.
What is Volhard Testing?
About The Volhard Method
Some of the tests we use were developed as long ago as the l930’s for dogs bred to become Guide Dogs. Then in the 1950’s, studies on puppies were done to determine how quickly they learned. These studies were actually done to identify children’s learning stages.
Later on in the early 60’s more tests were developed to determine if pups could be tested for dominance and submission. These tests determined that it was indeed possible to predict future behavioral traits of adult dogs by testing puppies at 49 days of age. Testing before or after that age affected the accuracy of the test, depending on the time before or after the 49th day.
We took these tests, added some of our own, and put together what is now known as the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, or PAT. PAT uses a scoring system from 1-6 and consists of ten tests. The tests are done consecutively and in the order listed. Each test is scored separately, and interpreted on its own merits. The scores are not averaged, and there are no winners or losers. The entire purpose is to select the right puppy for the right home.
The 10 Tests performed:
Social Attraction - degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence.
Following - willingness to follow a person.
Restraint - degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.
Social Dominance - degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person.
Elevation - degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer.
Retrieving - degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with Social Attraction and Following a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.
Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.
Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.
Sight Sensitivity - degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children or squirrels.
Stability - degree of startle response to a strange object.
The Rules For Testing:
The testing is done in a location unfamiliar to the puppies. This does not mean they have to be taken away from home. A 10-foot square area is perfectly adequate, such as a room in the house where the puppies have not been.
The puppies are tested one at a time.
There are no other dogs or people, except the scorer and the tester, in the testing area.
The puppies do not know the tester.
The scorer is a disinterested third party and not the person interested in selling you a puppy.
The scorer is unobtrusive and positions him or herself so he or she can observe the puppies’ responses without having to move.
The puppies are tested before they are fed.
The puppies are tested when they are at their liveliest.
Do not try to test a puppy that is not feeling well.
Puppies should not be tested the day of or the day after being vaccinated.
Only the first response counts!
Scoring the Results
Mostly 1’s
Strong desire to be pack leader and is not shy about bucking for a promotion.
Has a predisposition to be aggressive to people and other dogs and will bite.
Should only be placed into a very experienced home where the dog will be trained and worked on a regular basis.
Top Dog Tips: Stay away from the puppy with a lot of 1’s or 2’s. It has lots of leadership aspirations and may be difficult to manage. This puppy needs an experienced home. Not good with children.
Mostly 2’s
Also has leadership aspirations.
May be hard to manage and has the capacity to bite
Has lots of self-confidence.
Should not be placed into an inexperienced home.
Too unruly to be good with children and elderly people, or other animals.
Needs strict schedule, loads of exercise and lots of training.
Has the potential to be a great show dog with someone who understands dog behavior.
Mostly 3’s
Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise.
Good with people and other animals.
Can be a bit of a handful to live with.
Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly.
Great dog for second time owner.
Mostly 4’s
The kind of dog that makes the perfect pet.
Best choice for the first time owner..
Rarely will buck for a promotion in the family.
Easy to train, and rather quiet.
Good with elderly people, children, although may need protection from the children.
Choose this pup, take it to obedience classes, and you’ll be the star, without having to do too much work!
Tidbits: The puppy with mostly 3’s and 4’s can be quite a handful, but should be good with children and does well with training. Energy needs to be dispersed with plenty of exercise.
Mostly 5’s
Fearful, shy and needs special handling.
Will run away at the slightest stress in its life.
Strange people, strange places, different floor or ground surfaces may upset it.
Often afraid of loud noises and terrified of thunder storms. When you greet it upon your return, may submissively urinate.
Needs a very special home where the environment doesn’t change too much and where there are no children.
Best for a quiet, elderly couple.
If cornered and cannot get away, has a tendency to bite.
Mostly 6’s
So independent that he doesn’t need you or other people.
Doesn’t care if he is trained or not - he is his own person.
Unlikely to bond to you, since he doesn’t need you.
A great guard dog for gas stations!
Do not take this puppy and think you can change him into a lovable bundle - you can’t, so leave well enough alone.
Top Dog Tips: Avoid the puppy with several 6’s. It is so independent it doesn’t need you or anyone. He is his own person and unlikely to bond to you.
Sources:
Choosing your puppy (PAT). FRESH. HEALTHY. BALANCED. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.volharddognutrition.com/choosing-your-puppy-pat/